ESI Contribution Dilemma: Can a Retiring Employee Still Avail Benefits After a Salary Hike?

An employee receiving a salary less than ₹15,000 and contributing to ESI. However, six months before his retirement, his salary is increased to above ₹15,000, and his contribution has not been paid for the last six months.

My question is, "Can this employee now avail the benefits of ESI by paying Rs. 120 per annum?"

Payment of Contributions in ESI

Payment of contributions should be done according to two contribution periods in ESI:
1) 1st April to 30th September
2) 1st October to 31st March.

If an employee's salary increases during any of the contribution periods, contributions must be paid until the period ends.

Eligibility for Benefits

Regarding benefits, an employee is eligible for benefits when he works for 172 days in a year.

Regards,
Ravichandra

There is a condition of five years of being insured under the ESI Act, 1948, and the rules/regulations framed thereunder. Please refer to Rule 61 of the ESI (Central) Rules, 1950. For more information, you may contact the appropriate branch office of ESIC in the area where the unit of the said retired insured person is located.